Common Terms and Resources

The AUXFOG is the volunteer-focused counterpart to the NIFOG. It gives Amateur Radio, GMRS, and other auxiliary communicators a standardized set of frequencies, procedures, and references to effectively support emergency response.

What It Is

• AUXFOG stands for the Auxiliary Communications Field Operations Guide.

• It’s a companion document to the NIFOG, published by DHS CISA.

• Tailored specifically for auxiliary and volunteer communicators who support public safety — such as Amateur Radio (ham), GMRS, MARS, and other volunteer comms groups.

• Like NIFOG, it’s a pocket reference guide designed for use in the field.

Contents

The AUXFOG includes:

• Amateur Radio band plans (HF, VHF, UHF, digital modes).

• GMRS, FRS, CB, and other auxiliary services frequencies.

• Interoperability channels relevant to volunteer support of public safety.

• ICS (Incident Command System) communications references.

• Net operations guidance for auxiliary communications.

• Technical quick reference: phonetic alphabets, satellite phone dialing, repeater offsets, PL tones, etc.

Purpose

• Provides volunteer communicators with a standardized playbook for supporting incident communications.

• Ensures auxiliary operators can integrate smoothly with professional first responders during disasters.

• Promotes interoperability between volunteer radio services (Amateur, GMRS, etc.) and public safety agencies.

Download Here

Countywide opt-in emergency notifications (SMS/voice/email).

https://alert.lacounty.gov

An amateur radio license gives you broad access to the radio spectrum, higher power, and more modes than GMRS—but requires passing an exam. Unlike GMRS, the license is for you only (not your whole family).

What Amateur Radio Is

• Amateur Radio Service (a.k.a. ham radio) is regulated by the FCC for non-commercial personal use, experimentation, education, and emergency communication.

• Licensed operators can transmit on a wide range of frequencies from HF to microwave bands.

• Hams use radios for local chatting, worldwide DX (long-distance) communication, digital modes, satellites, and emergency response.

License Classes

There are three levels of amateur licenses in the U.S., each granting progressively more privileges:

1. Technician Class

   • Entry-level license.

   • Access to all VHF/UHF bands (30 MHz and above) and limited HF privileges.

   • Common for local communication (handhelds, repeaters, short-range).

2. General Class

   • Mid-level license.

   • Grants access to most HF bands, enabling worldwide communication.

   • Most popular class among active operators.

3. Amateur Extra Class

   • Highest license level.

   • Provides full access to all amateur bands and frequencies.

   • Required for certain special frequencies and operating rights.

License Details

• Who can apply: Anyone of any age (no minimum), U.S. citizenship not required.

• Cost: The FCC application fee is $35 for a 10-year license (same as GMRS). Exam sessions may charge an exam fee ($10–$15), collected by the Volunteer Examiner Coordinator (VEC).

• Exams: Each class requires passing a multiple-choice exam:

  • Technician: 35 questions.

  • General: 35 questions.

  • Extra: 50 questions.

• Renewal: Valid for 10 years, renewable without re-testing.

Benefits of Amateur Radio

• Far greater privileges than GMRS/FRS (power, modes, frequency bands).

• Legal to use high power (up to 1,500 watts PEP, depending on band).

• Access to a worldwide community of operators.

• Key role in emergency communications and disaster relief.

• Ability to experiment with antennas, satellites, digital modes, and radio technology.

Current restrictions, closures, and fire danger status.

https://www.fs.usda.gov/angeles

Category: County